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Public health lawyer Michele Simon opposed the provision, saying:
"Without any hearings on the matter, the Senate included language that would require the US Department of Agriculture to essentially ignore any court ruling that would otherwise halt the planting of new genetically-engineered crops."
Senator John Tester (D. Mont) said:
"These provisions are giveaways, pure and simple, and will be a boon worth millions of dollars to a handful of the biggest corporations in this country."
Seattle attorney Bill Marler represents food-related illness victims.
"I think any time you tweak with the ability of the public to seek redress from the courts," he said, "you create a huge risk."
Monsanto's no stranger to controversy. It's well-connected in high places. It wields huge clout. In 2012, it spent nearly $6 million lobbying.
It contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars more to congressional campaigns. Benefits gained way exceed amounts spent. That's how Washington works.
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